AFCA-Women and Youth Entrepreneurs Network
The AFCA-Women and Youth Entrepreneurs Network (AFCA-WYEN) is a dynamic and inclusive network dedicated to empowering women and youth entrepreneurs across Canada.
AFCA-WYEN was established in 2026, with a mandate grounded in four core program areas: building strong women-owned enterprises, networking and marketing linkages for business women, youth entrepreneurship development, and advocating for policies that create an enabling environment for women to compete favorably in business.
AFCA-WYEN is committed to creating opportunities for individuals to start, grow, and sustain businesses by providing access to training, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
We serve as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the resources they need to succeed — connecting them with mentors, investors, institutions, and development partners — while strengthening inclusive economic development.
Established January 31, 2026 · Ontario, Canada
Founding President: Emmanuel Kum
Our Mission
To empower women and youth entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and partnerships that promote entrepreneurship development, economic empowerment, and sustainable community growth.
Our Vision
A world where women and youth entrepreneurs have equal access to opportunities, resources, networks, and markets needed to build sustainable businesses and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
Our Leadership
Emmanuel Kum
Emmanuel Kum is the Founding President of the AFCA-Women and Youth Entrepreneurs Network, a registered nonprofit organisation incorporated in Ontario, Canada.
Emmanuel founded AFCA-WYEN on January 31, 2026, driven by a deep commitment to empowering women and youth entrepreneurs across Canada and the world. With a vision of inclusive economic growth, he built AFCA-WYEN to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed.
Under Emmanuel's leadership, AFCA-WYEN has established a cross-continental platform that connects entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and development partners across Canada and the world, championing entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable community development.
Why AFCA-WYEN Was Founded
AFCA-WYEN was founded in response to the persistent challenges faced by women and youth in accessing entrepreneurship opportunities, financing, mentorship, and markets.
Despite growing interest in entrepreneurship, many women — especially immigrant, minority, and young entrepreneurs — continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to compete and succeed in business.
Recognising these gaps, AFCA-WYEN was created to empower, connect, and advocate for women and youth entrepreneurs while building strong linkages between the world and Canada.
Four Core Program Areas
The mandate of WYEN-AFCA is grounded in four interconnected program areas that together form a comprehensive support system for women and youth entrepreneurs.
Building Strong Women-Owned Enterprises
We support the development and growth of women-led businesses through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, business advisory services, and access to markets. Our programs equip women entrepreneurs with practical tools to launch and scale sustainable enterprises.
Youth Entrepreneurship Development
We empower young entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to start and scale innovative businesses, including digital and technology-driven enterprises. From ideation to execution, we walk alongside youth entrepreneurs at every stage.
Networking and Marketing Linkages
We create platforms that connect women and youth entrepreneurs with markets, investors, mentors, and business opportunities — enhancing their visibility, reach, and capacity for growth both within Canada and internationally.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
We advocate for policies and initiatives that create an enabling business environment, ensuring women and youth entrepreneurs can compete fairly and thrive. We engage governments, institutions, and development partners to advance inclusive entrepreneurship policies.
Our Core Values
Empowerment
We equip individuals with the tools and confidence to succeed in business and in life.
Inclusion
We promote equal opportunities regardless of gender, background, or socioeconomic status.
Innovation
We encourage creativity and forward-thinking entrepreneurship in all our programs.
Integrity
We operate with full transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in everything we do.
Collaboration
We work with partners, institutions, and communities to maximise collective impact.
Our Activities & Initiatives
AFCA-WYEN implements programs and initiatives that support women and youth entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.
Entrepreneurship Training
Capacity-building programs in business planning, financial management, and digital skills.
Mentorship & Coaching
Personalised coaching from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Networking & Forums
Entrepreneur forums and events building meaningful professional connections across Canada.
Advocacy
Championing policies and initiatives that support women and youth entrepreneurs.
Startup Incubation
Structured incubation and innovation initiatives for early-stage businesses.
Business Advisory
Expert advisory and business support services for entrepreneurs at all stages.
Market Access
Market access and business linkage programs connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities.
Strategic Partnerships
Partnerships with organisations, institutions, and development partners to expand reach.
The Challenge We Address
Women and youth entrepreneurs continue to face significant structural barriers. AFCA-WYEN is committed to addressing these challenges by creating inclusive opportunities that support entrepreneurial success.
Barriers Entrepreneurs Face
- Limited access to funding and financial resources
- Lack of mentorship and professional networks
- Barriers faced by immigrant and minority entrepreneurs
- Limited access to business development support
- Skills gaps in entrepreneurship and digital innovation
- Underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making spaces
How AFCA-WYEN Responds
- ✓Entrepreneurship training and capacity-building programs
- ✓Mentorship and business coaching from experienced professionals
- ✓Networking platforms connecting entrepreneurs with investors and partners
- ✓Advocacy for policies supporting women and youth entrepreneurs
- ✓Startup incubation and innovation development opportunities
- ✓Market access and business linkage programs
What We Aim to Achieve
Through our programs and partnerships, AFCA-WYEN is building measurable, lasting impact for entrepreneurs and communities across Canada.
Supporting women-led businesses to grow and compete
Backing youth-led startups and innovation initiatives
Opening pathways to markets, networks, and capital
Ensuring no entrepreneur is left behind
Contributing to job creation and community development
Our Partnerships
AFCA-WYEN collaborates with a diverse range of organisations to expand reach and maximise impact for entrepreneurs across Canada and the world.
International NGOs
Global development organisations advancing women and youth entrepreneurship
Government Institutions
Federal and provincial bodies supporting economic development and inclusion
Private Sector
Corporate partners and business associations investing in entrepreneurship
Academic Institutions
Universities and colleges providing research, training, and talent pipelines
Development Partners
International development agencies and foundations supporting our mission
Our Commitment to the SDGs
AFCA-WYEN contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aligning our programs with the global agenda for inclusive, sustainable development.
Join Us — Be Part of the Change
AFCA-WYEN invites individuals, organisations, and partners to join us in empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. Together, we can create opportunities, drive innovation, and build inclusive and sustainable communities.